Gisel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France

The surname Gisel is a name of ancient French origin. It was a Breton name given to a person with gray hair. The name Gisel is derived from the Old French word "gris," which means "gray," and was often given to someone with gray hair.

Early Origins of the Gisel family

The surname Gisel was first found in Brittany where this distinguished family held a family seat at Motte, and were prominent members of the aristocracy.

Early History of the Gisel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gisel research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1789 is included under the topic Early Gisel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gisel Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of French surnames; in part, as spelling, and the spelling names was not yet standardized during the early development of the written French language. Later, there was much branching and movement of families, and spellings would change according to region. Variations of the name Gisel include Gris, Griss, Grix, LeGris, Legris, Legriss and many more.

Early Notables of the Gisel family

More information is included under the topic Early Gisel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gisel family

Migration from France to New France or Quebec as it was now more popularly called, continued from France until it fell in 1759. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In the treaty of Utrecht, the Acadians were ceded by France to Britain in 1713. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported. They found refuge in Louisiana. In 1793, the remaining French in these provinces came under British rule. Meanwhile, in Quebec, the French race flourished, founding in Lower Canada, one of the two great solitudes which became Canada. Many of this distinguished family name Gisel were prominent in social, cultural, religious and political affairs in France and New France. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Gisel were Adrien Legris (1686), Jean Legris (1692 Lépine), and Denis Legris (1728) all arrived in Quebec from Ile-de-France.

Contemporary Notables of the name Gisel (post 1700) +

Gisel Berteau, French actress, known for Filles de fraudeurs (1962)